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It is time to give yourself more compassion than normal. You deserve your own kindness and care. So much has transpired in the past two years. You have been resilient. You have worked more. You have helped others more. You have endured more uncertainty than you were used to enduring. You have grieved.
Today is the perfect time to connect with the present moment and learn a simple self-compassion exercise that can help you cultivate kindness toward yourself.
Begin by asking yourself, “What do I need?”
This is a self-compassion break. If you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a break and ask yourself what you need. The answer can bring necessary clarity to the situation. Your answer might be:
I need more sleep. I need to pause. I need to regroup.
Perhaps the answer is: I just need to get this one thing finished, then move on to (___blank___) or I need some help.
Self-compassion involves recognizing difficulty and giving yourself comfort you need, rather than judging or criticizing yourself. Studies show that we do not motivate ourselves long-term with fear, negativity, or criticism. I am sure you are a compassionate, however you are not nearly as compassionate as you think you are if you are not compassionate to yourself. So, show yourself some love!
If extending yourself compassion makes you uncomfortable, you are not alone. Most of us lack in this area. After all, we live in a world full of stress and overwhelm that is considered normal. It is worth enduring discomfort as you practice and you will become more comfortable over time. As you grow in self-compassion, you will grow in life.
For guided meditations, exercises, and articles on self-compassion, visit www.self-compassion.org. Kristin Neff, PhD is the foremost researcher, author, and speaker in this area of study and her website is generous.
To learn more about coaching and how it can improve your amazing life, email me at [email protected] to schedule a discovery session.
Kim Perone, MA, CLC is a Success, Bereavement & Resilience Coach and Mindfulness Trainer at the Center for Clarity, Compassion & Contentment (CENTER4C). Kim works with organizations and individuals to offer essential skills for today. A personal strategist, philosopher, and champion for her clients, specializing in stress reduction, mindfulness, work life balance, bereavement, resilience, and authentic success, Kim is a Certified Life Coach, with an M.A. in Organizational Communication, Certified Workplace Mindfulness Facilitator (CWMF), a Certified Grief Educator, and author of The Case for Clarity, Compassion & Contentment: Finding Your Center (available on Amazon) and podcaster for Find Your Center with Life Coach Kim Perone. It is Kim’s belief that when clarity, compassion, and contentment are present an inspired life is possible. For more information, feel free to contact Kim at [email protected], (518) 301-3593, www.Center4c.com.
